When your child is sick, it's natural for you to be restless and sometimes confused about what to do to take care of him. Come on, look at what needs and doesn't need to be done so that your little one recovers quickly.
Caring for sick children, especially babies and toddlers, does require special patience and calm, Bun. Mothers also need to understand what important things need to be considered while caring for your little one at home, including signs or symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
Things to Do When Caring for Sick Children at Home
The first thing you can do when caring for a sick child is to listen to your little one's wishes. For example, if you want him to sleep in his room but your little one wants to sleep on the couch, try to go where he feels comfortable.
In addition, there are also several things that you need to do so that your little one recovers quickly, including:
1. Menput the child in a room with good air circulation
Whether in the room or in another room, you need to ensure that the air circulation where the child is cared for is always running. You can open windows or doors, so that air exchange remains good.
2. Membprovide nutritional intake
If the first day of illness, your little one doesn't want to eat, there's no need to force him. Keep offering little by little so that he eats, even if only a few mouthfuls. However, the most important thing is to make sure your child always gets enough fluid intake.
Give your little one nutritious food or drinks, such as milk or chicken soup. Soft, warm, soupy foods may be easier for a child with nausea or a sore throat to accept.
3. Memmake sure enough childrest
Sick children use up more energy, so they will be very tired and need a lot of rest. So that your little one can rest and sleep soundly, Mother can help read stories or listen to soothing music. Make the room atmosphere comfortable for him.
4. Do not carelessly give medicine
Mothers can give your little one over-the-counter medicine to reduce fever or relieve the pain he feels. However, make sure you understand the rules and how to use them. Do not hesitate to ask the pharmacist about how to use the drug for children.
Accompanying your little one who is sick can certainly make him calmer. However, if Mom and Dad both work, try taking turns to take turns at the office to take care of them. In addition, don't let Mother get too tired and fall sick too. Take turns with Dad or another family member so you can rest.
If you are forced to ask for help from other people to look after your little one, don't forget to provide detailed information about his condition and needs, including a list of medicines he is taking and a medical record book that may be needed if your little one has to be taken to the doctor immediately.
Symptoms to Watch Out for When Caring for Sick Children at Home
Home can indeed be a more comfortable place for children when they are sick. However, there are times when children need more adequate examination and treatment. There are several symptoms to watch out for as a sign that your child needs to be immediately taken to the doctor or the emergency department at the hospital, including:
- Don't want to eat or drink at all
- Constant vomiting and diarrhea, especially if accompanied by blood
- Have a fever of more than 38 degrees Celsius, especially if you have a history of febrile seizures
- Experiencing respiratory problems characterized by a prolonged cough, shortness of breath, or short and rapid breathing
- Experiencing changes in mental status, such as seizures, unconsciousness, unable to communicate, or being restless
- Experiencing signs of dehydration
- Dark or bluish-looking skin or lips
- Experiencing stiffness in the neck
If your child has a chronic illness, such as diabetes or congenital heart disease, and the symptoms seem to get worse during the illness, it's best not to delay taking him to the nearest doctor or hospital.
